Information regarding Buncombe County Tax Records is published
to the web. Parcel information regarding foreclosures can
also be found using the tax information system.

General Information about the Tax Collection Foreclosure Process

The Tax Department takes tax foreclosures very seriously. Before proceeding with any legal action, notice is given to the taxpayer by phone, letters, notices, etc. The Tax Department only forecloses if there is no response from the taxpayer after action is taken or if the taxpayer does not follow through with an agreed upon payment arrangement made with the Tax Department. A tax foreclosure can begin at any date after January 5th of the current year that is being collected.

Tax foreclosure sales may be processed by one of two procedures:

In-Rem Foreclosures: The Tax Department and the County Attorney’s office will handle all aspects of the foreclosure proceedings. More defined information on this style of foreclosure can be found by reviewing the general statue (G.S.§ 105-375)

Mortgage Style: The County will refer the account to an outside attorney who will handle all aspects of the foreclosure proceeds. The tax liens on real property in North Carolina are subject to foreclosure in a manner similar to bank foreclosures. More defined information on this style of foreclosure can be found by reviewing the general statue (G.S.§ 105-374).

Other helpful information regarding Tax Foreclosures

Notice of Sale: All sales will be advertised in a news paper that meets the requirements of general circulation as required, prior to the sale date. Additional information may be posted to the County’s website to assist with advertising the sale and opening bid.

Location on Sale: Foreclosure sales will be handled by a public auction on the front steps of the county courthouse scheduled at the discretion of the assigned commissioner conducting the sale. Sales will be made to the last and highest bidder and each property will be sold "as is" and without warranty. Each sale may be subject to further outstanding taxes and any local improvement assessments against the property not included in the judgment.

Bidding on an auctioned property: You can bid on any property by attending the sale on the courthouse steps the day the sale is to take place. The price for each property has an Estimated Opening Bid set prior to the date of the sale. This is the approximate amount required for the opening bid. The person conducting the sale will announce the actual opening bid for each property at the time of sale. A deposit of up to twenty percent (20%) of the bid will be required following the sale, and the balance of the price bid must be paid at the end of the ten day period and confirmation of the sale.

Upset Bid process: A person interested in making an increased bid should go to the Office of the Clerk of Superior Court on the first floor of the Buncombe County Courthouse. The increased bid must exceed the current bid by five percent (5%) or $750.00 whichever is greater. To make an increased bid a deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the new high bid, or a minimum of $750.00, must be delivered to the Clerk of Superior Court by cash or certified check or cashier's check satisfactory to the Clerk.

**North Carolina does not sell Tax Liens or Tax Certificates over the counter.